Differential refractometer for elevated temperatures



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DIFFERENTIAL REFRACTOMETER FOR ELEVATED TEMPERATURES Filed March 25, 1957 5 sheets-sheet 2 94 IOOb 77 76 l l l Y INVENTORS f AB. BROERMAN www MEREINECKE y Y n ,Z/ |O5c BYH n* L' 4| 13oj |20/ 126i/ 27 Lw ma( 'wm M34 wig A r Tom/EVS May 12, 1959 A. B. BRERMAN er1-AL 2,886,715

DIFFERENTIAL REFRACTOMETER' FOR ELEVATED TEMPERATURES Filed March 25, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS A.BBROERMAN ME. REINECKE H um A T TURNE'VS DIFFERENTIAL REF'RACTOMETER F'G/R ELEVATED TEMPERATURES A Filed March 25, 1957 May 12, 1959 A.-B. BRor-:RMAN ETAL 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 REFRACTOMETER CE LL ASSEMBLY STANDARD sAMPLEl FLOWMETR lOOc STANDARD OUT SAMPLE MANIFOLD STANDARD OUT STANDARD IOOq SAMPLE DUT IOOo.

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DIFFERENTIAL REFRACTOMETER FOR ELEVATED TEMPERATURES Filed March 25, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INV ENTORS A.B;. BROERMAN ME'. REINECKE A 1' rom/5K5 @tats asserts DFFEFJENTIAL REFRACTll/EETER FR ELEVATED TEMPERATURES Application March 25, i957, Serial No. 648,251

9 Claims. (Cl. Z50-Zig) This invention relates to the measurement of the retractive indices of fluid streams.

ln Various chemical and petroleum operations, it is common practice to analyze a sample stream removed from some point in the process and to adiust an operating variable in response to the analysis to maintain desired conditions. One particular system of analysis that is useful involves a measurement of the refractive index of the sample stream. Fhis measurement can advantageously be made by comparing the refractive index of the sample stream with the refractive index of a reference fluid. This is accomplished by directing a beam of radiation through a refractomer cell assembly and measuring the deviation of the emerging beam. 'The refractomer cell is provided with at least two adjacent compartments which are separated by a diagonal transparent plate. A reference fluid is positioned in one chamber and the sample stream is circulated continuously through the second chamber. An instrument of this type is generally referred to as a differential refractometer.

in order to make accurate measurements with differential rcfractometers, it is important that the two fluids being compared be maintained at exactly the same temperatures and pressures. This is particularly true in measuring the refractive indices of liquids because such refractive indices vary considerably with changes in temperature and pressure. ln one particular measurement, for example, it has been discovered that a diiference of 0.05" P. between two identical fluids appears as a refractive index difference of 0.00001. ln accordance with the present invention, a refractometer is provided which is capable of maintaining the temperature diilerence between the sample fluid and a reference luid within approximately this order of magnitude. The refractometer of this invention is also particularly adapted 'to be used in measuring the refractive indices of sample streams at elevated temperatures. Such streams may include, for example, molten sulfur, ammonium nitrate solutions, ammonium sulfate solutions, and polyolefms dissolved in hydrocarbon solvents. lt is important that streams of this type be maintained at temperatures substantially above normal atmospheric temperature because the streams tend to solidify at atmospheric temperature. The refractometer of this invention incorporates means to maintain a sample stream at an elevated temperature and at a temperature which is substantially equal to the temperature of a reference fluid.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved differential refractometer.

Another object is to provide an improved refractometer wherein two fluids being compared are maintained at common temperatures and pressures.

A further object is to provide a differential refractomeler which is particularly adapted to analyze sample materials that are maintained at elevated temperatures.

Other objects, advantages and features of the invention should become apparent from the following detailed detici L.: scription which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure l is a schematic view of a differential refractometer which incorporates features of this invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional elevational View of the refractometer cell assembly of Figure l.

Figure 3 is a view, shown partially in section, of the refractometer cell assembly and surrounding heat insulating material.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the analyzer of Figure l enclosed in an explosion proof housing.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of the fluid sample and reference fluid circulation system.

Figure 6 is a sectional View of the pressure equalizer which is included in the flow system.

Figure 7 is a circuit drawing ofthe heating elements employed in the refractometer.

Figure 8 is a view of the front of the refractometer housing.

Referring now to the drawing in detail and to Figure l in particular, there is shown a lamp 10 which directs radiation through a condensing lens lll. The radiation transmitted through lens lil is directed 'through a slit assembly l2 into a refractometer cell assembly i3. Cell assembly l?) is provided with an inlet lens 14 which collimates radiation transmitted through slit l2. Cell assembly i3 includes two lluid chambers 15 and lb which are separated by a cylindrical prism ll'. A converging lens 18 is positioned across the second end of cell assembly 13 and serves to focus trie transmitted radiation at a detector which comprises adjacent photocells 21 and 22. The beam of radiation emerging from cell assembly 13 passes through a retractor block 19 which is mounted on a shaft Ztl so as to be free to rotate in the radiation beam. A light opaque barrier 23 is centered between photocells 2l and 22 to reduce the amount of radiation incident upon the two photocells.

Photocells 2l. and 22 are connected in electrical opposition to one another to the input of an amplifier circuit 25. Amplifier circuit 2S preferably is of the type which converts an input direct Voltage into a corresponding alternating signal which is then ampliled. The amplitied signal is compared with a reference voltage to drive a two phase induction motor 26 in a direction which is representative of the phase of the input signal applied to amplifier 2.5 from photocells 2l and Z2. The drive shaft of motor 26 is connected through a friction clutch 27 and reduction gears 28 to the shaft 20 which rotates block 19. The drive shaft olf motor 26 is also connected through clutch 2.7 and bevel gears Sil and. 3l to a shaft 32 which carries a telemetering potentiometer 33 and an indicator 3d.

The refractometer cell assembly is illustrated in detail in Figure 2. A cylindrical housing l0 is provided with end caps il and 42 which are retained in position by screws 43. A glass end plate l5 and lens lil are positioned across the first end of housinrT 40 and retained in position by cap dl.. An O-riug i6 prevents fluid leakage from the interior of housing lll past plate 45. The second end of housing 40 is closed by a flanged transparent plug 48 which has lens 18 attached thereto. Plug 48 extends into the interior of housing @il and is retained in place by cap 42. A second O-ring i9 prevents lluid leakage from the interior of housing i0 past plug 48. A metal sleeve 50, having a spiral recess i2 in the periphery thereof, occupies the center portion of housing di). Sleeve 5u is retained in position by a second sleeve 53 which is held in place by plug f3. An O-ring S4 between sleeves 50 and 53 prevents fluid leakage. Cylindrical prism 17 thus divides the interior of housing 4l) into chambers l5 and 16. An O-ring 55 is Afitted into a recess in prism 17 to prevent leakage between chambers 15 and 16.

A sample iiuid inlet opening 6u in housing 4d is connected by a passage 61 to the iirst end of recess 52. The second end of recess 52 is connected by a passage 62 in housing 4t) to chamber 1S. A passage 63 extends between the opposite side of chamber 1S and an outlet opening 64. The sample huid to be measured thus passes through spiral recess 5?. prior to its entry into chamber 15. This results in eflicient heat exchange between the sample fluid and the reference Huid in chamber 16 through metal sleeve 50. A reference fluid inlet 65 is connected by a passage 66 to chamber 16. A corresponding outlet, not shown in Figure 2, is provided to remove the reference Huid.

Plug 48 serves two important functions. lt reduces the volume of reference uid chamber 16 so as to provide more eicient heat exchange between the fluids and the two chambers. Plug 4S also shortens the radiation path through uid chamber 16 so that more opaque reference fluids can be employed, it necessary. The illustrated cell construction readily permits withdrawal of cylindrical prism 17 for cleaning or replacement. The angle which the ends of this prism make with the optical axis of the cell assembly can be so selected as to give different sensitivities. In general, it is desired that the angle be a maximum to provide the greatest refraction of the transmitted light beam.

As previously mentioned, it is sometimes desirable to employ a differential refractometer for analyzing sample uids which must be maintained at elevated temperatures. ln such an application, the reference tluid must also be maintained at this elevated temperature. This requires ethcient heat exchange and insulation to maintain the desired elevated temperature. T his is provided in accordance with the present invention by means of the assembly illustrated in Figure 3. Cell assembly 13 is mounted between two metal end plates 7d and 71 which are attached to one another by screws 'i2 and to a cylindrical plate 7 3 by screws 7 4. Plate 73 is constructed of a refractory material, such as aluminum oxide. A second refractory plate 75 is positioned across the second end of the cell assembly. Plate 75 is attached to a metal sleeve 76 which encloses the cell assembly. Screws 77 retain plate '75 in engagement with sleeve 76, and screws 7 3 retain plate 73 in engagement with sleeve '76. Metal sleeve 76 thus serves as a heat reservoir and radiates heat into the cell assembly. The entire assembly is mounted on a base plate dit. Cylindrical end plates 81 and 82. enclose the entire assembly and define an open space which is illed with an insulating material, such as glass wool. Light tubes 79 and 33 are mounted at the ends of the cell assembly. These tubes reduce heat transfer by convection currents in the regions near the ends of the cell assembly. A plurality of electrical heating elements 9ilrz to 9W, see Figure 7, are iitted into spaced holes which are drilled in sleeve 76. These heating elements are connected in circuit with a source of current 149 and a pair of thermostats 143 and 144.

This heating circuit is described in greater detail hereinafter. In many applications of differential refractometers as process analysis instruments, it is necessary to enclose the apparatus in an explosion proof housing. This is illustrated in Figure 4 wherein the cell assembly is shown within a cylindrical bell 92 which is attached to an end plate 93. The conduits which circulate the sample uid and the reference fluid enter bell 92 through plate 93 and pass through a cylindrical member 94 which is tilled with heat insulating material.

The fluid ow system is illustrated schematically in Figure 5. The sample fluid to be analyzed is introduced through a conduit litt) which communicates with the inlet of a valve lima. The outlet of valve lutin is connected by a conduit 100k through a plug 93a in plate 93 to the inlet of a coll 86 Which surroundsl sleeve 76 and is in thermal Contact therewith, see Figure 3. The sample fluid then circulates through chamber 15 and is removed from the cell assembly through a conduit ltl'lc which passes through plug 93a and communicates with a pressure equalizer 101, the latter being described in detail hereinafter. The sample fiuid is removed from pressure equalizer 101 through a conduit 1li-iid which communicates with the inlet of a ow meter 1.62. The outlet of iow meter 1.@2 is connected by a conduit ltltle to the inlet of a valve .tutti The outlet of valve ltf is connected to a sample outlet 169g. A reference fluid is introduced into the system through a conduit 193 which communicates with the inlet of a valve 103g. The outlet of valve llta is connected by a conduit 1Mb which extends through plug 93a to the inlet opening of chamber 16. The outlet opening of chamber 16 is connected by a conduit 103C which extends through plug 93a to a second inlet of pressure equalizer lill. The corresponding outlet of pressure equalizer 101 is connected by a conduit 1930? to the inlet of a valve 163e. T he outlet of valve 163e is connected to an outlet conduit 1tl3f. in normal operations, valves lltla and 1h38 are closed so that the reference tiuid is locked into chamber 16 of the cell assembly. However, a reference fluid can he circulated continuously through this chamber, if desired.

in order to prevent solidication or condensation of the fluids outside bell 92, steam is circulated in thermal contact with the various conduits and valves. The steam is introduced into the system through a conduit 165 which communicates with the inlet of a manifold that is in thermal contact with valves lutin, 181W, 1635i, and 163e. The steam is passed from manifold ldd through. a conduit jttlb which is in thermal contact with plug 93a. The second end of conduit 10017 is in communication with pressure equalizer 101. Steam passes through pressure equalizer 101 in two directions and is removed through a conduit ltld which is in thermal contact with tlowmeter 102. A rod 163 of heat conductive material, such as copper, is attached to plug 93a and extends into bell 92 in thermal contact with conduits 1Mb, lutin, 10311, and lilc. This rod further equalizes the temperatures of the two fluids being compared.

As previously mentioned, it is important that the pressures of the two tluids be equalized. This is accomplished to a large extent by incorporating a pressure regulator, not shown, in sample inlet conduit tltl. Pressure equalizer MB1 completes the pressure equalizing system. rthis pressure equalizer is illustrated in detail in Figure 6. First and second plates 11e and 111 are retained together by means of screws 112. Plates and 111 are provided with recessed chambers 113 and 114, respectively, which are separated by a diaphragm H5. Sealing gaskets 116 are provided at the periphery of diaphragm 115. A rst spring 11h extends between plate 11i? and a backing plate 119 which is in engagement with diaphragm 115. A similar spring 12u and backing plate 121 are positioned in chamber 114. Passages 121 and 122 communicate between chamber 113 and a fluid opening 123 in plate 110. A passage 124 communicates between chamber 113 and a second fluid opening 125 in plate 11u. Passages 126 and 127 communicate between chamber 114 and a iii-st fluid opening 123v in plate 111. A passage 13u communicates between chamber 114 and a second fluid opening 111. Openings 123, 125, 128, and 131 are connected to respective conduits uiuc, loud, w3c, and wed of Figure 5. The pressures of the sample and reference iiuids are thus equalized by deflection of diaphragm 11S to change the relative volumes of the two chambers in the pressure equalizer. Springs 118 and 120 maintain the diaphragm at a center position in the absence of a pressure diierential.

Hollow plates 133 and 13e are attached to respective plates 110 and 111 so that steam can be circulated through the pressure equalizer assembly. his further tends to equalize the temperatures of the two fluids and to maintain this common temperature at an elevated value to runen.

' asserts prevent solidilication or condensation within the pressure equalizer. The conduits which supply this steam are illustrated in Figure 5.

The electrical circuit associated with heating elements 96a to 9i?! is illustrated in Figure 7. A current source 140 is connected in series relationship with a solenoid tdi and thermostats 143 and 144. Heating elements 96a, 90b, and 90C are connected is series relationship With one another; heating elements 9tig, 9G11, and 90:' are connected in series relationship with one another; and heating elements 90j, 90k, and 9d! are connected in series relationship with one another. The four groups of heating elements are connected to current source 140 through a switch 142 which is closed when solenoid Mil is energized.

Normally, the sample fluid has sufficient heat capacity to keep the cell at the required elevated temperature. In case of sample flow failure, the sample duid within the cell might freeze or otherwise cause trouble. This is prevented in accordance with the present invention by the heating elements. Thermostat 143 provides on-oti control to keep the temperature up to the set point. Thermostat iria is a safety device which opens if the temperature exceeds a predetermined value. The heating elements also raise the temperature of the analyzer to an operating value initially.

A cooling coil M7 is attached to a plate 146 of heat conductive material which in turn is attached to the front plate 93 of the analyzer housing, see Figure 8. Water or other coolant is circulated through coil M7 to keep the interior of the analyzer within safe temperature limits at all times.

From the foregoing description, it should be evident that there is provided in accordance with this invention an improved differential refractometer wherein eliicient heat exchanging and pressure equalizing are accomplished. The refractometer is particularly adapted for use in equalizing fluid streams which must be maintained at elevated temperatures. Apparatus is provided to maintain a constant elevated temperature.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with a present preferred embodiment, it should be evident that it is not limited thereto.

`What is claimed is:

1. A refractometer adapted to be operated at elevated temperatures comprising a source of radiation, a radiation detector, a refractometer cell positioned between said source and said detector to deliect a beam of radiation by an amount representative of a test uid disposed in said cell, a block of heat conductive material surrounding said cell, a conduit in thermal contact with said block, means connecting one end of said conduit to said cell, the second end of said conduit being adapted to be connected to a source of fluid to be tested so that the test iuid can be passed through said conduit into said cell, a housing surrounding said block and spaced therefrom, and a mass of heat insulating material disposed in the region between said block and said housing.

2. A refractometer adapted to be operated at elevated temperatures comprising a source of radiation, a radiation detector, a refractometer cell positioned between said source and said detector to deflect a beam of radiation by an amount representative of a test fluid disposed in said cell, a block of heat conductive material surrounding said cell, a conduit in thermal contact with said blocks, means connecting one end of' said conduit to said cell, the second end of said conduit being adapted to be connected to a source of fluid to be tested so that the test fiuid can be passed through said conduit into said cell, an electrical heating element in thermal contact with said block, a

surrounding said block and spaced therefrom, and a mass of heat insulating material disposed in the region between said block and said housing.

3. A refractometer adapted to be operated at elevated temperatures comprising a source of radiation, a radiation detector, a refractometer cell positioned between said source and said detector to deflect a beam of radiation by an amount representative of a test iiuid disposed in said cell, a block of heat conductive material surrounding said cell, a conduit in thermal contact with said block, means connecting one end of said conduit to said cell, a first housing surrounding said block and spaced therefrom, a mass of heat insulating material disposed in the region between said block and said first housing, a second housing surrounding said first housing, first conduit means extending from a region exterior of said second housing to the second end of said conduit to supply a` test fluid, and second conduit means communicating between said cell and a region exterior of said second housing to vent the test fluid from said cell.

4. The refractometer of claim 3 further comprising i heating means in thermal contact with said rst conduit means to maintain the test fluid at an elevated temperature.

5. A refractometer adapted to be operated at elevated temperatures comprising a source of radiation; radiation detecting means; a refractometer cell disposed between said source and said detecting means, said cell comprising a first cylindrical metal block having a cylindrical light passage therethrough, radiation transparent means positioned across the ends of said passage, a radiation transparent plate disposed in said passage to divide same into first and second chambers, the planes of the faces of said plate an angle other than with the axis of said passage, and inlet and outlet passages in said first chamber; a second cylindrical metal block surrounding said first block; a rst conduit enclosing said second block and in contact therewith; means connecting one end of said conduit to said inlet passage; circular plates disposed across the ends of said second block, said circular plates having openings therein in optical alignment with said radiation source, said cell, and said detecting means; a housing enclosing said second block and spaced therefrom; a mass of heat insulating material disposed between said housing and the assembly formed by said second block and said circular plates; and means extending from the second end of said first conduit to a region exterior of said housing to supply a test fluid to be analyzed.

6. A refractometer adapted to be operated at elevated temperatures comprising a source of radiation; radiation detecting means; a retractometer cell disposed between said source and said detecting means, said cell comprising a first cylindrical metal block having a cylindrical light passage therethrough, radiation transparent means positioned across the ends of said passage, a radiation transparent plate disposed in said passage to divide same into first and second chambers, the planes of the faces of said plate making an angle other than 90 with the axis of said passage, and inlet and outlet passages in said rst chamber; a second cylindrical metal biock surrounding said first block; a first conduit enclosing said second block and in contact therewith; means connecting one end of said conduit to said inlet passage; circular plates disposed across tlie ends of said second block, said circular plates having openings therein in optical alignment with said radiation source, said cell, and said detecting means; first housing enclosing said second block and spaced therefrom; a mass of heat insulating material disposed between said housing and the assembly formed by said second block and said circular plates; a second housing surrounding said first housing, said second housing having an opening therein; a plug disposed in the opening in said second housing; first conduit means extending through said plug to engage the second end of said first conduit; second conduit means extending through said plug t0 assefis engage said outlet passage; and means to heat said plug and at least portions of said first and second conduit means external of said second housing.

7. The refractometer of claim 6 further comprising means communicating between said first and second conduit means external of said second housing to equalize the pressures in said irst and second conduit means; and means to heat said means to equalize pressures.

8. A refractometer adapted to be operated at elevated temperatures comprising a source of radiation; radiation detecting means; a refractometer cell disposed between said source and said detecting means, said cell comprising a first cylindrical metal block having a cylindrical light passage therethrough, radiation transparent means positioned across the ends of said passage, a radiation transparent plate disposed in said passage to divide same into first and second chambers, the planes of the faces of said plate making an angle other than 90 with the axis of said passage, and inlet and outlet passages in said first chamber; a second cylindrical metal block surrounding said irst block; a first conduit enclosing said second block and in contact therewith; means connecting one end of said conduit to said inlet passage; circular plates disposed across the ends of said second block, said circular plates having openings therein in optical alignment with said radiation source, said cell, and said detecting means; hollow cylinders disposed between the ends of said passage and the openings in said circular plates; a housing enclosing said second block and spaced therefrom; a mass of heat insulating material disposed between said housing and the assembly formed by said second block and said circular plates; and means extending from the second end of said first conduit to a region exterior of said housing to supply a test uid to he analyzed.

9. A refractometer adapted to be operated at elevated temperatures comprising a source of radiation; radiation detecting means; a refractometer cell disposed between said source and said detecting means, said cell cornprising a iirst cylindrical metal block having a cylindrical light passage therethrough, radiation transparent means positioned across the ends of said passage, a radiation transparent plate disposed in said passage to divide same into first and second chambers, the planes of the faces of said plate making an angle other than with the axis of said passages, and inlet and outlet passages in said first chamber; a second cylindrical metal block surrounding said rst block; a iirst conduit enclosing said second block and in contact therewith; means connecting one end of said conduit to said inlet passage; circular plates disposed across the ends oli said second block, said circular plates having openings therein in optical alignment with said radiation source, said cell, and said detecting means; hollow cylinders disposed between the ends of said passage and the openings in said circular plates, a plurality of electrical heating elements in thermal Contact with said first block; rst and second thermostats in thermal contact with said iirst block, said rst thermostat closing when the temperature is less than a first value, said second thermostat opening when the temperature is greater than a second Value which is greater than the first value; means connecting said heating elements, said source of electrical energy and said thermostats in circuit with one another, said thermostats being connected in series relationship with one another; a housing enclosing said second block and spaced therefrom; a mass of heat insulating material disposed between said housing and the assembly formed by said second block and said circular plates; and means extending `from the second end of said first conduit to a region exterior of said housing to supply a test fluid to be analyzed.

References tlited in the file of this patent Uiuran stares Parleurs 2,427,996 Seaman Sept. 23, 1947 2,624,014 Barston Dec. 30, 1952 2,686,454 Ruska Aug. 17, 1954 

